Carrier stands at the forefront of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration solutions, offering various of products and warranty plans. These warranties differ from traditional home warranties, which typically cover multiple systems and appliances under one comprehensive package.
In this guide, we’ll provide an in-depth look at Carrier’s warranty plans, including contract terms, conditions, and the benefits you can expect. We’ve also included recommendations for top home warranty providers if you prefer more comprehensive protection.
Pros and Cons of a Carrier Warranty
Compare the pros and cons of a Carrier warranty below.
Pros
- Warranty is free with purchase of a Carrier product
- Can pass warranty coverage between owners
- No service fee, which most home warranty providers charge
Cons
- No coverage for major home appliances, which comprehensive home warranties include
- Doesn’t cover systems that break down from improper installation or servicing
- Extends a limited warranty for systems registered after 90 days of the original installation
Carrier Warranty Plans and Coverage
Carrier doesn’t provide traditional home warranty coverage that protects multiple systems or appliances in one comprehensive package. Instead, the specific products homeowners purchase from Carrier receive coverage under the company’s own warranty plan. Coverage is limited to parts and compressors on an air conditioning (AC) unit and does not include labor. Customers must register their product within 90 days of purchase to receive the full manufacturer’s warranty. Otherwise, coverage is limited to five years.
What Does Carrier Warranty Cover?
Here’s a breakdown of the products offered and available coverage under a Carrier warranty. The “Original Owner” column shows the coverage duration for the first owner, while the “Subsequent Owner” column outlines the coverage for the second owner if a warranty is transferred. We recommend checking the warranty details on the Carrier website for exact details on your item’s coverage.
| System or Appliance | Original Owner | Subsequent Owner |
|---|---|---|
| Air conditioner and heat pump condensing units with Puron Advance (R-454B) refrigerant | 5–10 years | 5 years |
| Air conditioner and heat pump condensing units with Puron (R-410A) refrigerant | 5–10 years | 5 years |
| Air conditioners or heat pump condensing units | 5–10 years | 5 years |
| Air purifier | 5–10 years | 5 years |
| Boilers (covearge varies by model) | 5–20 years | 5–20 years |
| Carrier thermostats | 3–5 years | 3 years |
| Central dehumidifier | 5 years | 5 years |
| Condensing gas furnace with tube and fin secondary heat exchanger | 5–Lifetime | 5–20 years |
| Ductless split units | 5–10 years | 5 years |
| Evaporator coils | 5–10 years | 5 years |
| Fan coil | 5–10 years | 5 years |
| Geothermal heat pumps (coverage varies by model) | 5–10 years | 5 years |
| Heat pumps | 5–10 years | 5 years |
| Humidifier | 5–10 years | 5 years |
| Non-condensing gas furnace | 5–Lifetime | 5–20 years |
| Oil furnace | 5–Lifetime | 5–20 years |
| Residential fan coils | 5–10 years | 5 years |
| Small packaged products | 5–Lifetime | 5–20 years |
| Smart sensor | 5–10 years | 5 years |
| Smart thermostats | 3–5 years | 3 years |
| Tradional thermostats | 3–5 years | 3 years |
| Ultraviolet replacement bulb | 90 days | 90 days |
| UVL ultraviolet fixture | 5–10 years | 5 years |
| Ventilator | 5–10 years | 5 years |
| Zoning controls or kits | 3–5 years | 3 years |
Note: Coverage for appliances and systems housed in apartments or rental properties is only available for the original owner for up to five years.
What Does Carrier Exclude?
When evaluating Carrier’s warranty, it’s important to note the exclusions. Knowing what isn’t covered helps homeowners anticipate potential repair costs and avoid the risk of a denied claim. This understanding also helps determine if extra coverage, such as a home warranty, is needed. Here’s a breakdown of the exclusions:
- Energy cost increases: Any rise in electricity or fuel costs due to additional or unusual use of supplemental heating systems.
- Improper use and maintenance: Damage from faulty installation, improper servicing, misuse, unauthorized modifications, or failure to perform routine maintenance, such as filter cleaning or replacement, as outlined in the product’s Owner’s Manual.
- Indirect or consequential damage: The warranty does not cover special, indirect, or consequential property or commercial damage.
- Non-Carrier parts: Damage resulting from using parts not supplied or designated by Carrier.
- Power and environmental damage: Failures caused by voltage issues, power surges, blown fuses, open circuit breakers, floods, winds, fires, accidents, or corrosive environments.
- Product restrictions: Coverage does not extend to products purchased online or models installed outside the U.S. and its territories or Canada.
- Refrigerant costs: The warranty does not cover expenses for replacing, refilling, or disposing of refrigerant.
- Service costs: Expenses for diagnosing, repairing, removing, shipping, or installing defective parts.
How Much Does a Carrier Warranty Cost?
Warranties are included with the cost of a Carrier product upon purchase. Additionally, Carrier does not charge a service fee when technicians visit your home to repair or replace components.
In general, most home warranty plans cost between $564–$984 a year for home warranties and require service fees, which homeowners pay directly to the technician at the time of a repair or replacement. The average service fee in the home warranty industry is between $75–$125. For a detailed look at how these contracts function and benefit homeowners, visit our article discussing the ins and outs of home warranties.
How Is Carrier Warranty’s Claims Process?
To file a claim, you must register your Carrier product online within 90 days of original installation. Carrier will need your date of installation, which is the date the homeowner purchased their house from the builder. If you can’t verify this exact date, then the warranty period begins 90 days from when the product was manufactured, as indicated by the model and serial number.
To register your product, you’ll need the following pieces of information:
- Model number
- Serial number
- Date of installation
- Who it was installed by
- Name of owner
- Address of installation
Once your product is registered, make sure it meets the following criteria to qualify for warranty coverage:
- The product was installed properly by a licensed HVAC technician.
- The warranty applies only to products remaining in their original installation location.
- Installation, use, care, and maintenance must be normal and in accordance with instructions contained in the Installation Instructions Owner’s Manual and Company’s service information.
- Defective parts must be returned to the distributor through a registered servicing dealer for credit.
Carrier Service and Fees
Once you’ve identified an issue with your product, immediately contact Carrier. You can call Carrier at 1-800-227-7437, reach the company online, or notify the company in writing by certified or registered letter of any defect or complaint with the product, stating the defect or complaint and a specific request for repair.
As an alternative, you can contact the installer directly, whose name will be on the equipment and in your owner’s packet. Note: the service agreement states that proof of purchase may be required at the time of service.
Carrier Warranty Reviews
Carrier is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has an A- rating from customers as of this writing. The company’s highest rating is a 3-star review, and most reviews noted poor support, delays in waiting for replaced units, and many appliances breaking much earlier than expected.
How Do the Best Home Warranty Companies Compare?
The best home warranty companies offer broader and more flexible coverage than a Carrier warranty, providing a better option for homeowners who want protection beyond just their HVAC system. We’ll highlight some of the benefits of a traditional home warranty compared to a Carrier warranty.
Coverage Scope
A Carrier warranty typically covers specific parts and repairs for Carrier-brand HVAC systems. This includes manufacturer defects or mechanical failures within the warranty period. However, it does not extend to other home systems or appliances, leaving gaps in protection for items such as electrical systems, washing machines, and kitchen appliances.
In contrast, a home warranty provides broader coverage for multiple home systems and appliances, regardless of brand. With a home warranty, your HVAC system and major household items such as refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, and electrical or plumbing systems also have protection. You can also extend coverage to unique items, including septic tanks, sump pumps, and sewer lines. This makes home warranties a more comprehensive solution for homeowners looking to safeguard multiple essential home components.
Repair Process and Technician Selection
With a Carrier warranty, company-authorized technicians must complete repairs using Carrier-approved parts. While this guarantees quality service and compatibility, it may limit flexibility in choosing a local contractor or scheduling repairs.
On the other hand, a home warranty provider works with a network of licensed contractors. When a covered system or appliance breaks down, the home warranty company arranges for a pre-screened technician to handle the repair, making the process convenient and efficient. Some home warranty plans even allow homeowners to select their own technicians, offering additional flexibility.
Cost Considerations
A Carrier warranty covers specific HVAC repairs, but homeowners may still have to cover labor costs, diagnostic fees, and maintenance. Once the Carrier warranty expires, any future repairs or replacements become an out-of-pocket expense.
A home warranty consolidates coverage into one plan, helping homeowners manage costs for repairs across multiple systems and appliances. Instead of paying separately for different manufacturer warranties, a home warranty covers a broader range of home essentials under a single contract, which is potentially more cost-effective in the long run.
Convenience and Peace of Mind
A Carrier warranty is beneficial for those who want manufacturer-backed protection for their Carrier HVAC unit, but it offers limited coverage beyond that. If multiple appliances or systems require protection, a home warranty provides greater value and convenience by covering a variety of home essentials under one plan.
Which Warranty Is Right for You?
A home warranty offers greater value and flexibility if you want comprehensive protection for your home, including HVAC, home appliances, plumbing, and water heaters.
A Carrier warranty may benefit you if you need coverage only for your Carrier HVAC system and prefer manufacturer-specific repairs.
Recommended Home Warranty Companies
We consider American Home Shield one of the top home warranty providers nationwide. The company consistently receives higher-than-average customer reviews and offers a wide range of coverage options. With three plans and several add-ons, American Home Shield allows homeowners to customize their coverage to fit their needs. Plans include up to $5,000 for major systems, including cooling and heating, and up to $4,000 for home appliances.
Here are a few reasons why American Home Shield is a standout in the home warranty industry:
- Offers three plan types with comprehensive protection
- Provides 24/7 customer support
- Available nationwide, across all 50 U.S. states
- Covers preexisting conditions with certain limitations
However, it’s important to keep in mind that most home warranty providers, including American Home Shield, do not cover appliances or systems that are still under a manufacturer’s warranty. For example, if a 10-year warranty from Carrier covers your HVAC unit, American Home Shield will not provide coverage until that warranty has ended.
Other Top Recommendations
We’ve also included additional home warranty companies that could fit your home. In addition, we’ve rated the top home warranty providers for HVAC coverage, in case you prefer a plan that offers specialized protection for your heating and cooling systems.
| Company | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Monthly Cost | Service Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
B | $36–$100 | $100–$125 | ||
B | $60–$68 | $100 | ||
B | $45–$60 | $70 ($150 for after hours and weekends) | ||
B | $77–$130 | $100–$125 | ||
B | $44–$82 | $75–$125 | ||
A+ | $57–$68 | $65–$125 | ||
B+ | $51–$68 | $100–$150 |
Our Rating Methodology
We developed a detailed rating methodology to evaluate home warranty companies objectively. This involved analyzing contracts, gathering quotes, speaking with company representatives, and surveying homeowners. We also gained firsthand experience with 11 leading providers by signing up for plans and testing the claims process.
Using this information, we rated each provider across six key categories, assigning a total score of 100 points, which we later converted into a 5-star rating.
Here’s a breakdown of our weighted factors:
- Coverage: We evaluated how comprehensive each provider’s coverage is, including whether the company includes unique items. Companies covering more items and offering higher annual limits earned higher scores, while those with long waiting periods or depreciation policies lost points.
- Cost: We analyzed average monthly prices and service call fees, awarding the most points to companies with competitive pricing and no hidden fees.
- Trustworthiness: We reviewed customer ratings on third-party sites such as the BBB and Trustpilot. Membership in the National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) and long workmanship guarantees contributed to higher scores, while ongoing legal issues resulted in deductions.
- Plan transparency: We examined contracts, policies, and website disclosures, giving more points to providers with clear and accessible contract details.
- Customer support: We assessed response times, claims-filing options, and customer service accessibility, rewarding companies with faster and more convenient support.
- Flexibility: We scored providers higher if they offer multiple plan options, extensive add-on catalogs, the ability to choose a technician, and customer-friendly cancellation policies.
